Beverage dispensing system

Abstract

The present application describes a product dispenser. The product dispenser may include at least one macro-ingredient source, at least one micro-ingredient source positioned about the dispenser, a diluent source, a dispensing valve, a number of pumps or metering devices, and a user interface. The user interface receives a request for a product type and instructs the pumps or metering devices to dispense a predetermined type and ratio of macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, and diluent to the dispensing valve for a predetermined flow rate.

1. A product dispenser system, comprising:
 at least one macro-ingredient source with at least one macro-ingredient therein; 
 at least one micro-ingredient source with at least one micro-ingredient therein having a reconstitution ratio of about 10:1 or higher positioned about the dispenser; 
 a diluent source; 
 a dispensing valve; 
 a plurality of pumps or metering devices positioned between the at least one macro-ingredient source, the at least one micro-ingredient source, the diluent source and the dispensing valve; and 
 a user interface for receiving a request for a product type and instructing the plurality of pumps or metering devices to dispense continuously a predetermined type and ratio of macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, and diluent to the dispensing valve for a predetermined flow rate. 
 
   
   
     2. The product dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the user interface comprises a control device. 
   
   
     3. The product dispenser system of  claim 2 , wherein the control device instructs the plurality of pumps or metering devices to dispense the predetermined type and ratio of macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, and diluent to the dispensing valve for the predetermined flow rate. 
   
   
     4. The product dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one macro-ingredient source comprises a macro-ingredient with a reconstitution ratio of about 3:1 to about 6:1. 
   
   
     5. The product dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one macro-ingredient source comprises a fluid selected from the group consisting of sugar syrups, HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup), and juice concentrates. 
   
   
     6. The product dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one micro-ingredient source comprises a fluid selected from the group consisting of natural and artificial flavors, natural and artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and acid and non-acid components of flavoring. 
   
   
     7. The product dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the diluent source and the at least one macro-ingredient source are each in communication with one of the plurality of pumps. 
   
   
     8. The product dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one micro-ingredient source is in communication with one of the plurality of metering devices. 
   
   
     9. The product dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the dispensing valve comprises a multi-flavor valve. 
   
   
     10. The product dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the dispensing valve comprises a flow director in communication with the at least one macro-ingredient source and the diluent source. 
   
   
     11. The product dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the dispensing valve comprises a tertiary flow assembly in communication with the at least one micro-ingredient source. 
   
   
     12. The product dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the user interface comprises a plurality of product selections. 
   
   
     13. The product dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the user interface comprises a plurality of additive selections. 
   
   
     14. The product dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the user interface comprises a plurality of intensity selections. 
   
   
     15. The product dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the user interface comprises nutritional information. 
   
   
     16. The product dispenser system of  claim 1 , further comprising a consumer data system. 
   
   
     17. The product dispenser system of  claim 16 , wherein the consumer data system comprises one or more biometric sensors. 
   
   
     18. The product dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the product type comprises a custom product. 
   
   
     19. The product dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the product type comprises a branded product. 
   
   
     20. A mixing system for producing a plurality of product types, comprising:
 a plurality of ingredient sources positioned about a mixer; 
 one or more of the plurality of ingredient sources comprises ingredients with reconstitution ratios higher than about ten to one; 
 a diluent source; 
 a plurality of pumps or metering devices in communication with the plurality of ingredient sources and the diluent source; and 
 a user interface for receiving a request for one of the plurality of product types and instructing the plurality of pumps or metering devices to dispense continuously a predetermined type and ratio of ingredients and diluent for a predetermined flow rate. 
 
   
   
     21. A beverage dispenser system for producing a plurality of beverages, comprising:
 a plurality of ingredient sources positioned about the dispenser; 
 the plurality of ingredient sources comprising ingredients with reconstitution ratios higher than about ten to one; 
 a diluent source with a diluent therein; and 
 a plurality of pumps or metering devices in communication with the plurality of micro-ingredient sources and the diluent source to dispense continuously a predetermined type and ratio of ingredients and diluent. 
 
   
   
     22. A product dispenser system, comprising:
 at least one macro-ingredient source; 
 at least one micro-ingredient source with at least one micro-ingredient therein having a reconstitution ratio of about 10:1 or higher positioned about the dispenser; 
 a diluent source; 
 a dispensing valve; 
 a plurality of pumps or metering devices positioned between the at least one macro-ingredient source, the at least one micro-ingredient source, the diluent source and the dispensing valve; and 
 a user interface for receiving a request for a branded beverage and instructing the plurality of pumps or metering devices to dispense continuously a predetermined type and ratio of macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, and diluent to the dispensing valve.